COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Alabaster City Schools (ACS) played a central role in today’s Shelby County Chamber of Commerce October “Connections Luncheon,” the theme of which was the Chamber's annual State of Our Schools Throughout Shelby County.
As one of four districts represented, ACS was recognized for its leadership and innovative initiatives. Dr. Wayne Vickers, Superintendent of Education for Alabaster City Schools, was honored alongside fellow Shelby County superintendents for making a positive impact and driving meaningful change for students across the county.
In addition to district leadership recognition, ACS was proud to have three panelists representing its schools:
Elementary Student Panelist: Aryn White, 5th grade, answered the question, “How does your school promote a sense of community and friendship among students?”
Secondary Student Panelist: Blake Gregory, 12th grade, answered the question: “What resources does your school offer to help you research colleges or career options?”
Educator Panelist: Mrs. Jill Thomas, District K-12 Reading Coach, responded to the question, “Can you share some recent academic achievements within your school district that highlight its commitment to excellence in education?”
Another highlight of the luncheon was a video presentation showcasing Alabaster City Schools. The video offered a comprehensive look at the district’s academic, athletic, fine arts, and extracurricular programs. It also featured a special spotlight on the ACS Champions Craft Academy, the district’s new state-of-the-art construction industry training facility designed to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades.
“Today’s luncheon gave us the opportunity to celebrate the successes of Alabaster City Schools and showcase the dedication of our students, educators, and community partners,” said Dr. Vickers. “We are proud of the strides our district continues to make in preparing students for the future.”
The event, hosted by the Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group, brought together education, business, and community leaders to emphasize the essential role schools play in workforce and community development across Shelby County.